Translation Services

Translation can be defined simply as the transfer of the written form of one language to the written form of another language. But the process is not as simple as it may seem. A quality translation retains the meaning and intent of the original without adding or omitting information. To achieve quality, translators must be advanced readers of the source language and skilled writers in the target language. Translators are experts at research and the cultural nuances that influence how language affects the readers of a text. To ensure the most accurate and effective translation, most translators work into their native language.

We provide translations in various fields such as business, medical, legal, technical, and manufacturing. Our goal is to provide quality translations by addressing your needs and meeting your deadlines. We understand that you expect high-quality translations regardless of subject matter, and our project managers will work with you to determine the best solution for your project.

TEAM

We are responsive and reliable. We have built a team of project managers who understand the importance of creating enduring relationships with clients, and with that in mind, one dedicated project manager handles all of your requests from start to finish. Our project managers are knowledgeable and educated in translations, and they work proactively to ensure that all your needs are assessed and met. Every project is important to us, and our project managers gather information from you that affects every step of the process, from team assignment to turnaround.

We work with translators who value quality and respect language as much as we do. Additionally, translators must meet three of the prerequisites below before being considered for a project.

Certification by the American Translators Association (ATA).
We recognize the ATA’s examination process for professional translators of various language pairs. For languages in which certification is available, an ATA-certified translator will be assigned to the project.

Registration as sworn translator.
In some foreign countries, translators may register with the government to provide sworn translations. Sworn translators are assessed prior to being registered, and we view the status as an indication of the translators’ professionalism and language aptitude.

Advanced degree in translation studies.

Higher education degree in foreign language and literature.

Subject matter expertise.
It is common for professional translators to have academic or professional experience in a specialized area of expertise. Being familiar with a particular field or industry can improve speed and accuracy during translation. Translators are selected for projects with subject matter in mind to provide the best translation possible.

Professional translation experience.
We prefer translators who have at least five years of professional experience in the translation field.
By selecting qualified language professionals, we can ensure consistency, accuracy, and quality in all translation projects.

Technology

We use technology to support our translation and project management teams. By taking advantage of advances in translation software, we can increase productivity and offer better services to our clients.

Our translation teams use computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools for select projects and language pairs. CAT tools provide support for the translation, editing, and review stages of a project by allowing the translation team to access databases of previously translated material, which is stored as translation units. These databases are known as translation memories (TM). A well-established TM can reduce translation costs, increase productivity, and help maintain consistency across all of your content.

For our clients who create documents in advanced design programs, we provide desktop publishing (DTP) services. Our DTP experts handle the complex layout, design, and formatting of various file types and languages. The DTP team is chosen based on their target language knowledge and experience. The team formats each page to accommodate the translation, taking care to incorporate fonts, images, and other elements to provide a document that is ready for print.

In 2015, we implemented a translation management system to improve our ability to manage numerous projects through a centralized, browser-based application. Project managers can perform their tasks with more efficiency, while our clients and translators have access to an easy-to-use, online portal that offers an organized environment to view SWITS projects. Clients can request quotes, monitor current projects, and easily access completed translations. The portal is offered to all clients who are interested in using it, and for clients who have their own management system in place, we can modify our processes to use other translation systems as needed. Translators can benefit from the system as well. They can view jobs, download source files, and upload completed files all from one location.

Localization

Localization is a translation process that involves adaptation to achieve a culturally and linguistically appropriate translation based on the region in which the target audience is located. The term is commonly used to describe the translation of computer software and website content, but it could involve any translation requiring specialized revision to appeal to readers. Localization teams focus not only on the translation to the target language, but also on the selection of images, graphics, colors, and other aesthetic aspects that impact the effect on the reader’s experience. For our clients who export their products or services internationally, offering localized material can greatly increase consumer interest.

Quality Assurance

Quality is the foundation for everything we do. We have incorporated the ASTM International F-2575 Standard Guide for Quality Assurance in Translation into our daily procedures and have developed our own quality assurance procedure for translation projects. Quality assurance reviews are implemented at various steps in the translation process. By incorporating international standards of quality into every project, we can assure all clients that the translation will clearly and accurately convey the information contained in the source document.